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Israeli preparedness amid heightened tensions - Jerusalem Studio 446

Earlier this week, Israelis braced themselves for a flare-up along the country's northern border. The leader of Iran’s Lebanese-proxy Hezbollah, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, promised retaliation for certain Israeli actions a week prior. In the events, Nasrallah made good on his pledge – yet, the incident ended without casualties – a fact that mitigated prospects for further escalation.
Panel:
- Jonathan Hessen, host.
- Amir Oren, analyst.
- Prof. Efraim Inbar; President of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security.
- Dr. Eran Lerman vice president of the Jerusalem Institute of Strategy and Security and a lecturer at Shalem College.

Episodes

It is now one-hundred months since Syria became subjected to - what started as a popular uprising and quickly turned into a civil war – ultimately being transformed into a multi-dimensional conflict, involving regional and global forces. What are the prospects for an end to – what has been frequently defined as – a conflict…

Iran and the West - latest developments- Jerusalem Studio 447

The tense relationship between Iran and the West seems to be moving along two contradictory trajectories. While the U.S. Administration has not budged from its official maximum pressure campaign against the Ayatollah regime, President Donald Trump has blessed an initiative by his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, to seek a diplomatic rapprochement. Panel: - Jonathan Hessen,…

Israeli preparedness amid heightened tensions - Jerusalem Studio 446

Earlier this week, Israelis braced themselves for a flare-up along the country's northern border. The leader of Iran’s Lebanese-proxy Hezbollah, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, promised retaliation for certain Israeli actions a week prior. In the events, Nasrallah made good on his pledge – yet, the incident ended without casualties – a fact that mitigated prospects for…

Europe, a Union of Divisions in Foreign Policy -Jerusalem Studio 445

Does Europe have a distinct position on the major issues of the Middle East, and is it really united in its stand vis-à-vis Iran, Syria and other foreign policy security concerns? This question poses itself especially following last week’s G7 summit that provided a forum for world leaders to debate their various positions. Panel: -…

Attention in the Middle East has gradually returned to a country, which in recent years seemed to have faded from its center stage prominence. The country in question: Iraq, is fighting remnants of the Islamic State, which lives on through its hold on key religious and ideological institutions. The Central Government in Baghdad is also…

Rising tensions in and around the Gaza Strip- Jerusalem Studio 443

Israel’s southern frontier has been flaring up constantly over the last year and a half, with the Israeli military and the Islamist Palestinian factions in the Hamas-controlled enclave exchanging fire. Both sides appear to be relatively restrained – making every apparent effort to refrain from gliding into a full-scale conflagration. Panel: - Jonathan Hessen, host.…

Iran vs West, strategies & tactics – Jerusalem Studio 442

Gibraltar Authorities ended a weekly long stalemate between Britain and the Islamic Republic last week, by releasing an Iranian oil tanker that was seized upon the request of the United States. This would seemingly help relieve some of the tensions revolving the confrontation between Washington and Tehran, but the so-called Grace affair, is only one…

The Israeli economy has benefited from improved relations with several of the world’s major powers. That said, when two of these powers are at loggerheads, Israeli decision makers find themselves between the American rock and the Chinese hard-place – forced to choose between the two, while knowing that either-way, Jerusalem will have to pay the…

Turkey vs Syria, amid international scrutiny - Jerusalem Studio 440

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to invade northeastern Syria and establish a so-called ‘safe zone’ by force, unless the United States follows on a pledge to scale-back the presence of the pre-dominantly Kurdish SDF alliance, a local composition of Syrian militias that are backed by Washington. This has become a major bone of…

The Iran crisis amidst global rivalries – Jerusalem Studio 439

The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States government have been locked in a battle of narratives regarding their ongoing dispute over Washington’s resistance to Tehran’s behavior. While the Trump Administration claims that the conflict emanates from Iran’s expansionist policies and other actions, the Persian authorities argue that they are merely responding to Western…

Israel heads to another round of national elections – Jerusalem Studio 438

In less than six weeks’ time, Israeli political parties will once again fight their way to the polls in a general election for the country’s 120-member parliament. At the center of this election campaign, stands outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who according to public opinion polls – remains short of a necessary majority for a…

Israel’s Challenges amid US - Iran Stand-Off- Jerusalem Studio 437

In the American - Iranian stand-off in the Persian Gulf and elsewhere, no breakthrough seems to be on the horizon. Over the last several weeks, there has been no further escalation, yet there is also no apparent respite. Israel is on a unique position in this crisis, as it is not a part to the…

The European Union and Israel - Jerusalem Studio 436

The relationship between the European Union and Israel has had its ups and downs. Some may say that the Jewish State, which lies in close territorial proximity to the continent and partakes in European sports and cultural events, should be considered for all practical purposes both Middle Eastern and European. Diplomatically, Jerusalem maintains permanent mission…

Special with Former IAEA Deputy Director General Olli Heinonen - Jerusalem Studio 435

Shalom and welcome to a special addition of TV7’s Jerusalem Studio, this time from Tel Aviv, were we will discuss the Islamic Republic of Iran and its nuclear ambitions as well as the international scrutiny directed at it. Panel: - Jonathan Hessen, host. - Olli Heinonen, Former Deputy General IAEA. Articles on the topic: https://www.tv7israelnews.com/iaea-chief-urges-iran-to-uphold-its-nuclear-commitments/…

Persecution of Christians in the Middle East – Jerusalem Studio 434

The Middle East, and more specifically - what is now the state of Israel - is of course the birthplace of Jesus Christ and the Christian faith. That said, Christians do not necessarily enjoy freedom of religion in most of the countries in the region – and repeatedly are face with harassment, persecution and discrimination,…

In a diplomatic breakthrough, both Israel and Lebanon agreed earlier this month to hold negotiations over the fate of so-called bloc-9 of a dispute off-shore gas-field. The talks will be mediated by the United States, and held under United Nations auspices. Hopefully, if deemed successful, some of the tensions between Jerusalem and Beirut will be…

Gaza: prospects & concerns – Jerusalem Studio 432

With 2019 nearing mid-point, predictions regarding the fragile situation vis-à-vis the Gaza Strip has yet to materialize. Earlier, there were indications of either a major Israeli military incursion into the Hamas-controlled Palestinian enclave, or a de-facto arrangement between the parties, which sought to realize a mutuality-invested cessation-of-hostilities. Unexpectedly, neither scenario took hold. Panel: - Jonathan…

Iran & the West, diplomacy and war- Jerusalem Studio 431

Over the past several weeks, the emphasis - in what can be regarded as the Iran crisis – has shifted from belligerent rhetoric to indirect diplomacy, as well as an apparent beginning of confidence building measures. Do the latest developments indicate a mutual effort at de-escalation or are merely a pause in an inevitable military…

Six weeks after the inauguration of the Israeli parliament, the 21st Knesset; it has surprisingly voted itself out of existence. This unprecedented move took place when outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was blocked in his efforts to form a new coalition, and rather than let another candidate try his hand at forming an alternative government…

Iran's defiance amidst mounting pressure - Jerusalem Studio 429

For more than two years, the Trump Administration has exerted – what it calls – maximum pressure on the Islamic Republic of Iran - crippling its economy in general, and its income-producing oil industry, in particular. While Tehran is yet to give in to this pressure, the American measures have exerted a toll on the…

Due to technical issues we ask you go to the following link for the full 30 minute episode: https://youtu.be/uKfGdMpvUqk The Israeli Palestinian conflict has never been a bilateral affair, with external forces – both regional and global – having their own designs and interests, at times contradictory to the parties themselves. With the U.S. initiative…

U.S.-Iran, on a course of collision - Jerusalem Studio 427

If one were to judge by rhetoric only, the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran are inevitable drawn into a head-on clash. That said, along with a verbal escalation, there are efforts to cool the heat and bring, about some form of dialogue. Panel: - Jonathan Hessen, host. - Amir Oren, analyst. -Dr.…

Israeli-Arab conflict, battle over Jerusalem – Jerusalem Studio 426

As time fast approaches for the official unveiling of the anticipated so-called "deal of the century" for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one crucial piece in the puzzle, is surely going to be – the status of Jerusalem. While the dispute over the city could possibly face delay, Jerusalem's significance to both Israelis and Arabs makes it…

Global rivalries, regional impact- Jerusalem Studio 425

The United States government defines Russia and China as its main global adversaries, in the sectors of trade, diplomacy, cyber and security. While it has not clashed with those powers militarily, it does see such a confrontation down the road as a viable scenario. How does the Middle East in general, and Israel in particular,…

Iran's deteriorating global standing - Jerusalem Studio 424

The relations between Washington and Tehran, which have deteriorated over the last two years, are at a boiling point. A year after the United States withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran, and as a result, re-imposed on it crippling international sanctions; the Islamic Republic is responding with actions - - both overt, and…

Gaza: terror vs humanitarian distress- Jerusalem Studio 423

A temporary respite that was achieved last week between Israel and the Islamist organizations in Gaza could be broken at any moment, as the situation has all the markings of in-stability. The humanitarian plight of the population is increasingly putting pressure on Gaza's ruling Hamas organization, while the Iranian-backed Islamic Jihad seems to persistently challenge…

The dangers of militant Islam - Jerusalem Studio 422

One of the most distinct phenomena of the last several decades has been the rise of militant Islam. Both regimes and organized-movements have sprung-up throughout the Middle East and beyond, with ambitious agendas and lethal actions based on modern technology and the ease of recruitment in the era of mass-communications. That said, these radical entities…

Iran under strict sanctions regime - Jerusalem Studio 421

A year after the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear agreement with Iran, tensions are steadily rising between Washington and Tehran. And as the Islamic Republic is about to implement counter-measures challenging the Trump Administration's policy, the Persian gulf could become a cauldron-of-conflict. Panel: -Jonathan Hessen, host. -Amir Oren, analyst. -Dr. Emily Landau, Senior Research Fellow,…

Next month, after the Muslim month Ramadan, and with a new Israeli government in sight; the long anticipated American peace initiative for the decades old Israeli-Palestinian conflict is expected to be unveiled. What does it mean for the contradictory claims of statehood, sovereignty and Security, which the various actors aspire to achieve? Panel: - Jonathan…

Israel-Lebanon: Prospects of a summer conflict - Jerusalem Studio 419

With spring turning into summer in the Middle East, the Israeli-Lebanese front also threatens to heat-up. Warnings of war have been heard from both Jerusalem and Beirut – amid a tightening Iranian grip along Israel's northern frontier. Panel: - Jonathan Hessen, host. - Amir Oren, analyst. -Dr. Mordechai Nisan, retired lecture on Middle East Studies…

Rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran- Jerusalem Studio 418

The United States announced earlier this week its decision to end temporary waivers vis-à-vis oil purchases from Iran, which were granted to eight countries and jurisdictions that relied heavily on Iranian oil supply, for the purpose of a "transition period", would expire on the second of May. The measure aims to decrease Iran's oil exports…

Egypt’s strive for stability - Jerusalem Studio 417

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al Sisi has managed to bolster his internal position, following parliamentary votes on constitutional amendments and a referendum, effectively prolonging his rule until 2030. Egypt's situation in the regional context, however, seems to precarious – with concerns on almost any front. Panel: - Jonathan Hesse, host. - Amir Oren, analyst. -…

Turkey’s dilemma between East and West - Jerusalem Studio 416

The United States or Russia? That is the question facing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as he is pondering his country's interests and ambitions in the fault-lines between Europe and Asia, the West and the Levant. Is Erdogan skilled enough to maneuver between the various powers and vectors? Panel: -Jonathan Hessen, host. -Amir Oren, analyst.…

Israel’s Post-elections special - Jerusalem Studio 415

Prime Minister designate Benjamin Netanyahu is hard at work forming his new government, trying to balance the contradictory demands by his would-be coalition partners. What is to be expected of the new Israeli cabinet in the months ahead? Panel: -Jonathan Hesse, host. - Amir Oren, analyst. -Gil Hoffman, Chief Political Correspondent, the Jerusalem Post. -Col.…

Developments on the Israeli-Syrian front - Jerusalem Studio 414

The Syrian Israeli front has been relatively quiet, except for sporadic reports of Israeli aerial operations against Iranian logistical targets. That said, after U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation recognizing Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights, there are concerns that following the formation of the next Israeli government, tensions will rise along this front.…

Iran's malign activities amid natures' wrath- Jerusalem Studio 413

Amid Iranian efforts to expand its regional reach, domestic neglect has challenged its ability to cope with a series of natural disasters. How can the Islamic Republic balance its various aspirations, at home and abroad, and will its rivals exploit its exposed weaknesses, in the fight against the regime's malign activities. Panel: - Jonathan Hessen,…

Israel Elections Special -Jerusalem Studio 412

The polls in Israel will close shortly, and with them, will come the exit polls conducted for various television channels, with the actual results probably known not before the early hours of tomorrow. That said, several trends have already emerged during the last couple of months, with a heated campaign mostly conducted between outgoing Prime…

Russia in the Middle East - Jerusalem Studio 410

Coming out of its decline in the 20th century, Russia – under President Vladimir Putin – has asserted its position in the Middle East in particular, and the World at large. Moscow's efforts encompass the entire region, from the Persian Gulf to the Western Mediterranean. Does Russia's record match its rhetoric in fulfilling its ambitions?…

US in the Middle East -Jerusalem Studio 409

The United States has been the dominant world power, in the Middle East, for many decades. But under its current President, Donald Trump, Washington has reviewed its interests and commitments in the context of the Administration's declared vision of "America First." What does this mean for the region in general, and Israel in particular? Panel:…

The Arab world and the Palestinians - Jerusalem Studio 407

The Palestinian issue has dominated the Arab-Israeli discourse, ever since the 1948 war. Excluding the Syrian angle, this virtually remains the last, yet most explosive issue blocking Israel from its aspired goal of peace with the entire Arab world. What are the chances for Israel to bypass the Palestinians and reach an accommodation with the…

The Syrian front- Jerusalem Studio 406

Israel's control over the Golan Heights, which was occupied from Syria during the 1967 Middle East war, has never been recognized by the United States or any other country around the world. That said, Israel's claim over the territory has not been actively challenged in recent years due to the raging conflict in Syria, in…

Latest developments on Iran sanctions - Jerusalem Studio 405

The United States has implemented a series of sanctions against Iran, after withdrawing from a 2015 nuclear deal, that was identified by President Trump as deeply flawed. While the ultimate aim seeks to put Tehran's economy under substantial pressure, the Trump Administration decided to provide eight countries with waivers, which are due to expire in…

European relations with the Arab world - Jerusalem Studio 404

Europe has traditionally shown interest in trends and events across the Middle East, going back to colonial times. That said, it seems that its influence has been diminished as of late – yet recent efforts indicate that this reality could be reversed. Panel: -Jonathan Hessen, host. -Amir Oren, analyst. -Col. (Res.) Miri Eisin Israeli Public…

Developments on the Syrian front - Jerusalem Studio 403

The Syrian civil war has entered its ninth year, and this time – after many foil attempts - it seems that the end is in sight. Panel: -Jonathan Hessen, host. -Amir Oren, analyst. -Col. (Res.) Miri Eisin Israeli Public Image & Security/Intelligence Expert. - Dr. Jonathan Spyer Fellow at the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and…

Conflict and resolution in Mideast strategies - Jerusalem Studio 402

There are several overlapping conflicts ongoing across the Middle East, with each having its unique features and forces, yet remain inseparable from one-another. Each of the relevant actors maintains its own national interests, while also cooperating with others in order to achieve common goals. Panel: - Jonathan Hessen, host. - Amir Oren, analyst. - Miss…

The battle for peace and security - Jerusalem Studio 401

Some five weeks before Israel's parliamentary elections, which until recently largely overlooked the decades-old conflict with the Palestinian; shifted its tone after a senior American official provided an overview of President Trump's so-called "deal-of-the-century." Panel: - Jonathan Hessen, host. - Amir Oren, analyst. - Dr. Dikla Cohen, Research fellow at Truman Institute, The Hebrew University.…